After the Trofeo Berlusconi, Paulo Fonseca expressed his satisfaction with the early progress of his team. “There’s still a long way to go, but the squad is already trying to implement some of my ideas,” he stated. While he was pleased with the result, Fonseca also noted that certain tactical mechanisms had already begun to take shape within the team. With only five weeks of training under their belts, he indicated that two different squads took to the field during the match, emphasizing that while there’s much work ahead, he is happy to see his players attempting to execute what they have practiced.
One player who stood out during the match was Saelemaekers, who has attracted interest from various clubs in the transfer market. Fonseca highlighted his versatility, stating, “He can perform well in different roles. He works hard defensively for the team and contributes significantly in attack. I like him a lot, and I hope he stays.”
In their match against Monza, Fonseca’s new-look Milan showcased a dominant style of play characterized by fluid passing. “What pleases me most is our possession phase, especially in attack. It’s a different way of playing, even defensively. I won’t make comparisons to the past; I can only say that this is something new. We need time to improve defensively. If we want to be a team that presses high up the pitch, there are many aspects to refine,” he explained.
Speaking about star player Rafael Leao, Fonseca noted, “He appears more willing to play for the team. We’re working well together, and we communicate frequently. I can’t say whether he’ll perform better or worse than last year, but he will certainly be a different player.”
As for transfer speculation, Fonseca confirmed the need for a defensive midfielder, clearly indicating Fofana as the preferred choice: “We all know he fits the role perfectly.”
